Robson runs rule over World Cup stars

Sir Bobby Robson will run the rule over two World Cup stars as he continues to build for the future.

Nigeria defender Isaac Okoronkwo, who lined up alongside Everton's Joseph Yobo in his country's World Cup clashes with England and Argentina during the summer, is already on Tyneside for a trial.

Okoronkwo is currently playing in the Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk.

He will be joined on Thursday by Chinese goalkeeper An Qi, who will stay in the north-east until the new year during a break in his native country's football programme.